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Pacific Money

The 21st century is commonly referred to as the 'Pacific Century.' For such a prediction to materialize, the economies of the Asia-Pacific must lead the globe. What challenges will the region face? What nations stand to benefit most? The Diplomat's economics and business blog, Pacific Money, will try to tackle these questions and more.

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Thailand’s 560 Billion Baht Economic Stimulus Plan, Explained

Thailand’s 560 Billion Baht Economic Stimulus Plan, Explained

By James Guild
The incoming administration of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has hinted at a structural shift away from the country's export-led economic model.
Malaysia Flags Ban on Export of Rare Earth Minerals

Malaysia Flags Ban on Export of Rare Earth Minerals

By Sebastian Strangio
As with similar recent restrictions in Indonesia, the goal is to stimulate the development of a domestic processing industry.

Asian Tiger Stock Markets Underperform Post-COVID as India Outpaces China

Asian Tiger Stock Markets Underperform Post-COVID as India Outpaces China

By Sam Rainsy
In the economic race between Asia's two economic giants, India is slowly beginning to pull ahead.

India’s Lopsided Post-COVID Economic Recovery 

India’s Lopsided Post-COVID Economic Recovery 

By Isha Gupta
On the surface, the data looks promising. But dig a little deeper and it’s clear that India’s rural areas are falling even farther behind.

Can Indonesia Afford Its Big Military Modernization Plans?

Can Indonesia Afford Its Big Military Modernization Plans?

By James Guild
Despite a rash of major defense acquisitions, the country still spends a relatively low percentage of its GDP on defense.
Rising Cambodia Microfinance NPLs Signal Forced Land Sales, Child Labor

Rising Cambodia Microfinance NPLs Signal Forced Land Sales, Child Labor

By David Whitehouse
The rise in non-performing loans only hints at the heavy burden of debt borne by tens of thousands of rural Cambodians.

The Deep Potential of Pakistan’s Climate Finance

The Deep Potential of Pakistan’s Climate Finance

By Abdul Waheed Bhutto
The State Bank of Pakistan’s financing strategies are not only reshaping the country’s energy landscape but also laying the groundwork for a future defined by sustainability.
China’s 24-Point Strategy to Attract Foreign Investment: Too Little, Too Late? 

China’s 24-Point Strategy to Attract Foreign Investment: Too Little, Too Late? 

By Allison Lapehn
The policy recalls past attempts to boost investor confidence, which fell far short of expectations. 

Is the Philippines Winning Its Battle Against Inflation?

Is the Philippines Winning Its Battle Against Inflation?

By James Guild
A tightening of monetary policy has brought things under control, but more challenges could lie ahead.

The Transition to the Autonomy Economy and China-US Tech Competition

The Transition to the Autonomy Economy and China-US Tech Competition

By Shaoshan Liu
With the explosive growth of autonomous machines in both form factors and functions, we may have entered a new technological era. Which country will lead this next phase?

Why Indonesia’s Waskita Karya Can’t Pay Its Debts

Why Indonesia’s Waskita Karya Can’t Pay Its Debts

By James Guild
The state-owned construction firm has crumbled under a heavy load of bond obligations, but the risk of economic contagion is low.
Tesla to Invest in Indonesian Battery Manufacturing, Official Says

Tesla to Invest in Indonesian Battery Manufacturing, Official Says

By Sebastian Strangio
Senior Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan made the announcement after a meeting with Tesla chief Elon Musk in San Francisco on August 2.

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